This is my last day here at home home. It’s sending me off in typical PNW fashion with a gloomy morning and maybe, just maybe it’ll light up in the afternoon.

But it’s my last day and I’m not sure when I’ll be back? Maybe Christmas? Who knows?

Knowing me, it’ll probably be Christmas. It usually is.

These past two weeks away from LA went by quickly like it usually does. Sure there were some slow days where I really didn’t do anything at all, but I was sick, so there’s that.

I didn’t get to go hiking with Pickles because he’s a fucking asshole. The night and a few days after I picked him up from the boarders, he was limping and moving gingerly. I had suspicions that he’s faking it, wanting some attention and not wanting to be sent off again. So, because of that, I never went out hiking with him, fearing that it was a real injury.

So, yesterday, he was back to form, an extra spring in his step, walking and running fast. Fucker! I say. Asshole!

But it’s good, I don’t have to worry about him being injured anymore. So, in a way, that’s a weight off my mind.

So, going back, it’s my last day.

I really don’t have much planned besides the movie with my bro.

It’s my last day together with mom. She actually took the day off yesterday too because she didn’t realize that I was leaving Sunday and not Monday.

We went wine tasting, which was on my short list of things to do while I was up here.

We left a little late so we only tried two wineries, but overall, it was great. I got to had some other wines at Chateau Ste Michelle and we visited another winery called JM Cellars. That one wasn’t as good as Chateau.

But, yes, it is definitely something that I’ll have to do again and visit more. Make it a bigger trip next time. Maybe when some uncles and aunties are around, we all can go.

Maybe. Who knows?

* * *

Looking back on this trip, this one was a lot more family than my usual trips back here, especially during the summer time. Sure, there were a few things that were the same and a few things that I didn’t do, but all-in-all, it was a very family centric trip.

I guess all of my trips back here to the PNW are always family centric trips.

Sure, I didn’t have many solo excursions with Pickles like I normally would, like hiking or exploring Seattle, but I managed to get one on the first day that I felt better after my cold. Pickles and I explored Tacoma a little more. Man, so much has changed in the past 15 years. So much.

It’s barely recognizable or that I just can’t remember what Tacoma looked like anymore.

Time. It changes things.

But, something new and different happened on this trip and that was getting drinks at bars with the kids, well the kids that are able to drink. I’m sure it all started with me taking Cloud to Snickers in Chicago and just chilling and I guess we just wanted to continue that tradition. It was great. Just shooting the shit and talking about life, vacationing and just getting to know each other better, in general. It’s definitely something that I want to keep up.

But it’ll definitely not be for a while since Cloud will be studying abroad in France.

But, maybe it’ll happen since we maybe be planning a trip to Italy and France next year. Let’s hope that happens. Fucking hope my bro steps up and actually plan something.

It not, then I’ll have to fucking step up again.

We shall see. We shall see.

* * *

Now all I have to do is to prepare myself for the long 18-hour drive. It’s a lot of mind over matter. I don’t really have to rush and I know I should take it easy and get back whenever I get back.

Benjo and Zarlenga already know my situation and are totally okay with me not showing up to work on Monday. They understand.

So, let’s just see how things go.

PNW.

It was a good trip. Sure I didn’t get to do much, but I set out to do most of the things that were on my list and had a few surprises thrown in there.

Good trip.

Till the next one.

Definitely, till the next one.